Micro Algae | Uses for Supercritical Fluids

Supercritical fluid extraction is an environmentally clean technology using carbon dioxide to isolate a variety of natural compounds from micro algae. This benign extraction process provides:

high selectivities

short extraction times

leaves no toxic solvent residues in the extract

Micro algae are microscopic algae found in fresh and marine waters. They are unicellular species which exist as individuals or in groups. Micro algae can range in size from a few micrometers to a few hundred micrometers. They are capable of photosynthesis and produce approximately half of the earth’s atmospheric oxygen and consume carbon dioxide to grow.

Micro algae are extremely diverse organisms and it has been estimated that about 500,000 different species exist that produce over 15,000 novel compounds. Most micro algae produce unique products like carotenoids, antioxidants, fatty acids, peptides, and sterols. These compounds are normally extracted using toxic solvents which can cause compound degradation and leave unhealthy solvent residues in the extract.